These past weeks we have been involved in teaching many men from the Middle East. Each of these men are refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, or Pakistan. Many leave families behind to begin a new life in Austria and hopefully eventually can bring their families here to be reunited. They all have refugee status in Austria.
They often have to wait a year to gain a work visa. In the meantime, they struggle to learn the German language and customs. Bringing their families here costs thousands of dollars per person and their salaries are usually meagre. It is amazing to be part of a unique process happening all over the world. One young man, Machoud, was baptized just a few weeks ago.
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| This pattern repeats itself all throughout Europe |
Last conference we heard Bishop Gerald Causse, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, teach us:
"The world in which we live is going through a period of great upheaval. Because of the increased availability of transportation, speed of communication, and globalization of economies, the earth is becoming a large village where people and nations meet, connect, and intermingle as never before. These vast, worldwide changes serve the designs of the Almighty God. The gathering of His elect from the four corners of the earth is taking place no only by sending missionaries to faraway countries but also with the arrival of people from other areas into our own cities and neighborhoods. Many, without knowing it, are being led by the Lord to places where they can hear the gospel and come into His fold."
Just last week we had a discussion take place in our apartment with the sister missionaries teaching two gentlemen from Syria. We felt the Spirit so strongly as we discussed Jesus Christ, who He is and what He has done for us. They felt accepted for the first time.
Language is a challenge because sometimes they speak a little English or almost no German. Usually Farsi or Arabic is their language. Did you know the Church provides Books of Mormon in those languages?
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| Arabic Book of Mormon |
The week before we helped teach two other men who have already converted to Christianity, but are now looking for a church that has the truth. These men have diligently studied the Bible. The one, Ali, told us how he and his family were chased from town to town in Afghanistan because they converted to Christianity. He said that he never knew from day to day if he would be on a bus or street corner where the Taliban would set off bombs killing as many Christians as possible.
Finally they fled to Pakistan where it is tolerated as long as you show no outward sign of Christian behavior, speech, or dress. He left behind his wife and children in a compound and prays for their safety. He asked us to pray for him so that the Spirit will teach him the truth and that he can understand and know if the Book of Mormon is true.
One very tall and gentlemanly 30 year old young man, fled Afghanistan with a good career. He is an educated architect. Here in Austria he has to start all over. His credentials have no validity here and he struggles to learn German. He knows he will not be able to make a decent living for a long time. He came to attend Machmoud's baptism and now comes each Sunday. Our investigator class is filled with such men.
The ward members are unsure what to do since communication is such a struggle. But Bishop Causse's words ring in my ear that these men have been sent here by the Lord. They are humble, teachable, and yearning for meaning in their lives after all the chaos and violence they have experienced in their homelands. I would love to send pictures of them, but that might endanger their families still in the Middle East.
We are so blessed to have the Gospel in our lives, live freely, and have hope for our future. We feel privileged to be part of teaching these men and others in Austria. Our work here has become so amazingly varied. We find ourselves torn trying to meet all the needs before us and to have the sheer energy it takes week to week to serve the Lord unfalteringly.
We love serving the Linz Ward members, the YSA, and now we have an assignment with the older single adults as well. All is a blessing to us. Our hearts have opened up with love and charity for those we serve. We love serving the missionaries. We know they have families at home that are praying that they are well provided for. We do try to help be an answer to those prayers, even if it's just for the district of 8 missionaries here in the Linz, Wels, and Haag.
May The Lord bless you! We would love hearing from some of you!
Mit Freundlichen Grussen, Elder and Sister Didenhover
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